Bar and Restaurant Closure Q&A with NDHA Executive Director, Rudie Martinson

The Center for Disease Control, President Trump, and Governor Burgum have all expressed the importance of social distancing by setting recommendations in place of 6 feet separation of space and gatherings of 10 people maximum. For some, this meant adjusting workspaces or shifting to remote work; but, not all North Dakota businesses can change their operating practices because of the service they provide. The food and hospitality industry relies on gatherings and groupings to be successful. 

GNDC caught up with Rudie Martinson, Executive Director of the North Dakota Hospitality Association to see how his members and the hospitality industry were feeling regarding Governor Burgum's executive order mandating the closure of restaurants and bars limiting their services to take-out, delivery, or drive-through only.
 
GNDC: What limitations did the executive order issued by the Governor have on the Hospitality industry?
Martinson: The Governor’s executive order on March 19th mandated that bars and restaurants suspend all dine-in and on-site sales for a period extending through April 6th. Based on other states’ experiences and current conversations at the federal level, we are preparing for the possibility that this deadline could be extended. The order allows for delivery, carry-out, curbside, drive-through, and off-sale for us to continue serving our communities and preserve the important link we represent in the foodservice supply chain. 

How has this affected North Dakota’s bars and restaurants?
Our members rapidly adjusted their business models – essentially overnight – in order to comply with the order and continue to serve our neighborhoods and communities. As the situation evolves, we continue to adapt to changing city and county regulations. Overall, the abrupt change to a carry-out only business model has been challenging as an industry – most restaurants and bars are operating at revenue reductions as high as 90% compared to what was expected this year. The longer the executive order remains in effect, the worse this condition will get. 

What best practices have North Dakotas bars and restaurants implemented to keep operating during the COVID–19 pandemic?
Restaurants and bars observe rigid standards of cleanliness and sanitation in order to protect the health of our employees, customers, and the public. Regular health inspections ensure that these standards are followed. Since the advent of COVID-19, restaurants and bars have doubled down on employee training and enforcement of these standards. Also, the carry-out, delivery, and drive-through options for restaurant service limit person-to-person contact as much as possible in order to observe social distancing guidelines. 

With the passage of the CARES Act, what does this mean for the Hospitality Industry?
The CARES Act included much-needed help for small businesses across the country, and especially the hospitality industry. We are grateful to our North Dakota congressional delegation for advocating on our behalf for this relief. While the CARES Act is an important first step, it does have gaps. The hospitality industry, in particular, is heavily based on the availability of cash flow, and speedy aid will be key to making sure our restaurants and bars reopen after the executive order is lifted and our employees have jobs to come back to. We look forward to working with our partners and policymakers at the state level to supplement the much needed federal aid with state-level resources. 

What can North Dakotans do to help the bars and restaurants through these current challenges? 
Our industry is unquestionably experiencing a very challenging moment in time. We are always grateful for the support of our neighborhoods and communities, but that support is now more critical than ever. Though we may not be open for on-site service right now, we are still able to provide your favorite meals and beverages. Order take-out or delivery service from your favorite establishment. Buying gift cards is another great option – it provides revenue to the restaurant or bar now, and gives you an outing to look forward to after we weather this crisis together.  

Is there anything else that North Dakota’s business community should know about North Dakota’s hospitality industry?
We deeply appreciate the support of our communities and loyal customers. Though it is frustrating that we can not operate as normal, we understand and are committed to preserving public health. With your help, we will come back stronger than ever after the current crisis passes. In the meantime, thank you for your continued business, and we look forward to seeing you for dinner or a drink soon!

To get another perspective, we reached out to Chad Wachter, President of Bismarck Big Boy, a drive-through famous for their flying-style pizza burgers,